Sunrise in the Smokies

 There is always the temptation when things get difficult to want to retreat.  I wanted to retreat and to cancel this trip, but it was prepaid with no refund.  I pulled on my boots and tugged on the bootstraps and said "Let's do it."  Yesterday, it was one of those days when it just added to the taxing stress of the last few weeks.  Travel was a series of ongoing issues.  After departing at 7:30 AM for what should have been a 7 hour trip, we arrived last night at near dark following almost 12 hours on the road.  However, the rest of the evening was pleasant and relaxing and this morning looked more promising.

I was reminded this morning--of the things that are lasting and important, eternal, grounding me, giving me strength, and enabling me to hope and stand in the promises of possibility, regardless of what might be swirling all around me.